Core Protein

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus is associated mainly with the exposure to infected poultry. The factors that allow interspecies transmission but limit human-tohuman transmission are unknown. Here we show that A/Anhui/1/2013(H7N9) influenza virus infection of chickens (natural hosts) is asymptomatic and that it generates a high genetic diversity. In contrast, diversity is tightly restricted in infected ferrets, limiting further adaptation to a fully transmissible form. Airborne transmission in ferrets is accompanied by the mutations in PB1, NP and NA genes that reduce viral polymerase and neuraminidase activity. Therefore, while A(H7N9) virus can infect mammals, further adaptation appears to incur a fitness cost. Our results reveal that a tight genetic bottleneck during avianto-mammalian transmission is a limiting factor in A(H7N9) influenza virus adaptation to mammals. This previously unrecognized biological mechanism limiting species jumps provides a measure of adaptive potential and may serve as a risk assessment tool for pandemic preparedness.

We describe a vertebrate hyaluronan and proteoglycan binding link protein gene family (HAPLN), consisting of four members including cartilage link protein. The encoded proteins share 45-52% overall amino acid identity. In contrast to the average sequence identity between family members, the sequence conservation between vertebrate species was very high. Human and mouse link proteins share 81-96% amino acid sequence identity. Two of the four link protein genes (HAPLN2 and HAPLN4) were restricted in expression to the brain/central nervous system, while one of the four genes (HAPLN3) was widely expressed. Genomic structures revealed that all four HAPLN genes were similar in exon-intron organization and were also similar in genomic organization to the 5 exons for the CSPG core protein genes. Strikingly, all four HAPLN genes were located immediately adjacent to the four CSPG core protein genes creating four pairs of CSPG-HAPLN genes within the mammalian genome. Furthermore, the two brain-specific HAPLN genes (HAPLN2 and HAPLN4) were physically linked to the brain-specific CSPG genes encoding brevican and neurocan, respectively. The tight physical association of the HAPLN and CSPG genes supports a hypothesis that the first HAPLN gene arose as a partial gene duplication event from an ancestral CSPG gene. There is some degree of coordinated expression of each gene pair. Collectively, the four HAPLN genes are expressed by most tissue types, reflecting the fundamental importance of the hyaluronan-dependent extracellular matrix to tissue architecture and function in vertebrate species. Comparison of the genomic structures for the HAPLN, CSPG genes and other members of the link module superfamily provide strong support for a common evolutionary origin from an ancestral gene containing one link module encoding exon.

Retroviral capsid protein (CA) mediates protein interactions driving the assembly of both immature viral particles and the core of the mature virions. Structurally conserved N-terminal domains of several retroviruses refold after proteolytic cleavage into a β-hairpin, stabilized by a salt bridge between conserved N-terminal Pro and Asp residues. Based on comparison with other retroviral CA, we identified Asp50 and Asp57 as putative interacting partners for Pro1 in Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) CA. To investigate the importance of CA Pro1 and its interacting Asp in M-PMV core assembly and infectivity, P1A, P1Y, D50A, T54A and D57A mutations were introduced into M-PMV. The P1A and D57A mutations partially blocked Gag processing and the released viral particles exhibited aberrant cores and were non-infectious. These data indicate that the region spanning residues Asp50-Asp57 plays an important role in stabilization of the β-hairpin and that Asp57 likely forms a salt-bridge with P1 in M-PMV CA.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver diseases including the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Particularly, core protein has been involved in HCV-related liver pathologies. However, the impact of HCV core on signaling pathways supporting the genesis of HCC remains largely elusive. To decipher the host cell signaling pathways involved in the oncogenic potential of HCV core, a global quantitative phosphoproteomic approach was carried out. This study shed light on novel differentially phosphorylated proteins, in particular several components involved in translation. Among the eukaryotic initiation factors that govern the translational machinery, 4E-BP1 represents a master regulator of protein synthesis that is associated with the development and progression of cancers due to its ability to increase protein expression of oncogenic pathways. Enhanced levels of 4E-BP1 in non-modified and phosphorylated forms were validated in human hepatoma cells and in mouse p...

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 core protein is one of the most immunogenic of HIV structural proteins. Infected individuals develop high titers of antibodies against p24 early in infection, which makes anti-p24 antibodies important serological markers. However, despite the clinical importance of the anti-p24 response, no systematic study to characterize the antigenic domains on the p24 protein has been reported. We report here on the use of 12 overlapping fragments of the HIV type 1 p24 protein, synthesized in bacteria as TrpE/Gag fusion proteins, to identify at least two and possibly three antigenic domains on the p24 protein. In addition, we note that different HIV-seropositive sera exhibited different patterns of reactivity with the p24 domains presented on our fusion proteins.

Rationale: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been recognized as an important step toward high invasion and metastasis of many cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the mechanism for EMT promotion is still ambiguous. The dynamic alterations of site-specific glycosylation during HGF/TGF-β1-induced EMT process of three HCC cell lines were systematically investigated using precision glycoproteomic methods. The possible roles of EMT-related glycoproteins and site-specific glycans were further confirmed by various molecular biological approaches. Results: Using mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomic methods, we totally identified 2306 unique intact glycopeptides from SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cell lines, and found that core-fucosylated glycans were accounted for the largest proportion of complex N-glycans. Through quantification analysis of intact glycopeptides, we found that the majority of core-fucosylated intact glycopeptides from folate receptor α (FOLR1) were up-regulated in the three HGF-treated cell lines. Similarly, core-fucosylation of FOLR1 were up-regulated in SMMC-7721 and Hep3B cells with TGF-β1 treatment. Using molecular approaches, we further demonstrated that FUT8 was a driver for HGF/TGF-β1-induced EMT. The silencing of FUT8 reduced core-fucosylation and partially blocked the progress of HGF-induced EMT. Finally, we confirmed that the level of core-fucosylation on FOLR1 especially at the glycosite Asn-201 positively regulated the cellular uptake capacity of folates, and enhanced uptake of folates could promote the EMT of HCC cells. Based on the results, we proposed a potential pathway for HGF or TGF-β1-induced EMT of HCC cells: HGF or TGF-β1 treatment of HCC cells can increase the expression of glycosyltransferase FUT8 to up-regulate the core-fucosylation of N-glycans on glycoproteins including the FOLR1; corefucosylation on FOLR1 can then enhance the folate uptake capacity to finally promote the EMT progress of HCC cells.

Rationale: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been recognized as an important step toward high invasion and metastasis of many cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the mechanism for EMT promotion is still ambiguous. The dynamic alterations of site-specific glycosylation during HGF/TGF-β1-induced EMT process of three HCC cell lines were systematically investigated using precision glycoproteomic methods. The possible roles of EMT-related glycoproteins and site-specific glycans were further confirmed by various molecular biological approaches. Results: Using mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomic methods, we totally identified 2306 unique intact glycopeptides from SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cell lines, and found that core-fucosylated glycans were accounted for the largest proportion of complex N-glycans. Through quantification analysis of intact glycopeptides, we found that the majority of core-fucosylated intact glycopeptides from folate receptor α (FOLR1) were up-regulated in the three HGF-treated cell lines. Similarly, core-fucosylation of FOLR1 were up-regulated in SMMC-7721 and Hep3B cells with TGF-β1 treatment. Using molecular approaches, we further demonstrated that FUT8 was a driver for HGF/TGF-β1-induced EMT. The silencing of FUT8 reduced core-fucosylation and partially blocked the progress of HGF-induced EMT. Finally, we confirmed that the level of core-fucosylation on FOLR1 especially at the glycosite Asn-201 positively regulated the cellular uptake capacity of folates, and enhanced uptake of folates could promote the EMT of HCC cells. Based on the results, we proposed a potential pathway for HGF or TGF-β1-induced EMT of HCC cells: HGF or TGF-β1 treatment of HCC cells can increase the expression of glycosyltransferase FUT8 to up-regulate the core-fucosylation of N-glycans on glycoproteins including the FOLR1; corefucosylation on FOLR1 can then enhance the folate uptake capacity to finally promote the EMT progress of HCC cells.

We describe a vertebrate hyaluronan and proteoglycan binding link protein gene family (HAPLN), consisting of four members including cartilage link protein. The encoded proteins share 45-52% overall amino acid identity. In contrast to the average sequence identity between family members, the sequence conservation between vertebrate species was very high. Human and mouse link proteins share 81-96% amino acid sequence identity. Two of the four link protein genes (HAPLN2 and HAPLN4) were restricted in expression to the brain/central nervous system, while one of the four genes (HAPLN3) was widely expressed. Genomic structures revealed that all four HAPLN genes were similar in exon-intron organization and were also similar in genomic organization to the 5 exons for the CSPG core protein genes. Strikingly, all four HAPLN genes were located immediately adjacent to the four CSPG core protein genes creating four pairs of CSPG-HAPLN genes within the mammalian genome. Furthermore, the two brain-specific HAPLN genes (HAPLN2 and HAPLN4) were physically linked to the brain-specific CSPG genes encoding brevican and neurocan, respectively. The tight physical association of the HAPLN and CSPG genes supports a hypothesis that the first HAPLN gene arose as a partial gene duplication event from an ancestral CSPG gene. There is some degree of coordinated expression of each gene pair. Collectively, the four HAPLN genes are expressed by most tissue types, reflecting the fundamental importance of the hyaluronan-dependent extracellular matrix to tissue architecture and function in vertebrate species. Comparison of the genomic structures for the HAPLN, CSPG genes and other members of the link module superfamily provide strong support for a common evolutionary origin from an ancestral gene containing one link module encoding exon.

The first virus-like particle to be tested for use as a vaccine carrier was based on the hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid protein. This viral subunit, while not infectious on its own, is a 36-nm particle that is highly immunogenic during a natural infection. The self-assembly and high degree of immunogenicity is maintained when expressed as a recombinant protein and, moreover, can confer a high degree of immunogenicity on foreign antigens linked to the particle, either chemically or genetically. This review describes the current state of the hepadnaviral core protein as a vaccine carrier.

Molecular farming in plants may provide a tempting, safe and inexpensive alternative to conventional protein production. Transgenic plants can produce unlimited amounts of recombinant proteins - subunit vaccines, human pharmaceutical protein, recombinant antibodies and industrial enzymes. Plants have many advantages over the other production systems - scalability, safety and economy. Here we present data showing the production of hepatitis B nucleocapsid antigen (HBcAg) in transgenic tobacco. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) confirmed the presence of the viral core antigen in the total protein extracts from tobacco leaves.

 A solution was developed to construct fusion proteins of Hepatitis B virus core protein in which the functions of the fused domains were kept.  The solution contains two principles: (1) fuse heterogeneous proteins at the N terminus of HBc; (2) use long Glysine-serine linkers between the two domains.  EGFP-HBc and RFP-HBc constructed following the principles supported the formation of nucleocapsid in HepG2 cells.

Abbreviations: 3-FucT, Zea maize core a1,3-fucosyltransferase; 3-FucT GnTIV, human a1,3-mannosyl-b1,4-N-acetyL-glucosaminyltransferase fused to the CTS region of the Arabidopsis thaliana core a1,3-fucosyltransferase (FUT11); 6-FucT, Mus musculus core a1,6-fucosyltransferase; CH2, constant domain of an IgG heavy chain; CTS, cytoplasmic tail, transmembrane domain and stem region; CxMab cetuximab (Erbitux Ò ); Fab, fragment, antigen-binding; Fc, Fragment crystallizable region of immunoglobulin G; GlcNAc, N-acetylglucosamine; IgG1, Immunoglobulin G subclass 1; LC-ESI-MS, Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisationmass spectrometry; mAb, monoclonal antibody; SDS-PAGE, Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; ST GalT, b1,4-galactosyltransferase fused to the CTS region of the rat a2,6-sialyltransferase; 6-SiaT, a2,6-sialyltransferase; ST GnT-III, b1,4-mannosyl-b1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase fused to the CTS region of the rat a2,6-sialyltransferase; DXT/FT, Nicotiana benthamiana glycosylation mutants lacking plant specific core b1,2xylose and a1,3-fucose residues We investigated N-glycan processing of immunoglobulin G1 using the monoclonal antibody cetuximab (CxMab), which has a glycosite in the Fab domain in addition to the conserved Fc glycosylation, as a reporter. Three GlcNAc (Gn) terminating bi-antennary glycoforms of CxMab differing in core fucosylation (a1,3-and a1,6-linkage) were generated in a plant-based expression platform. These GnGn, GnGnF 3 , and GnGnF 6 CxMab variants were subjected in vivo to further processing toward sialylation and GlcNAc diversification (bisected and branching structures). Mass spectrometry-based glycan analyses revealed efficient processing of Fab glycans toward envisaged structures. By contrast, Fc glycan processing largely depend on the presence of core fucose. A particularly strong support of glycan processing in the presence of plant-specific core a1,3-fucose was observed. Consistently, molecular modeling suggests changes in the interactions of the Fc carbohydrate chain depending on the presence of core fucose, possibly changing the accessibility. Here, we provide data that reveal molecular mechanisms of glycan processing of IgG antibodies, which may have implications for the generation of glycan-engineered therapeutic antibodies with improved efficacies.

The structural relationship between VP6 (inner capsid polypeptide) and the viral core was studied using chemical cross-linking with dithiobis(succinimidyl propionate). Crosslinked single shelled and reconstituted rotavirus particles, suggest the existence of a complex organization of VP6 molecules in the inner capsid and a direct interaction with the core polypeptide VP3. The inhibition of the recovery of RNA polymerase activity associated with the reconstitution of the single shelled particle in the presence of antiVP6 monoclonal antibodies indicates that a VP6 domain between amino acids 56 and 58 seems to be important in viral transcription. A VP6 gene temperature-sensitive mutant (ts G) carrying a mutation affecting assembly of single shelled particles was used in reconstitution experiments. The mutant was able to recover RNA polymerase activity at restrictive temperature. Wild type cores or VP6 were able to reconstitute the particle with both the mutant cores and VP6. These resu...

Core protein of Flaviviridae is regarded as essential factor for nucleocapsid formation. Yet, core protein is not encoded by all isolates (GBV- A and GBV- C). Pestiviruses are a genus within the family Flaviviridae that affect cloven-hoofed animals, causing economically important diseases like classical swine fever (CSF) and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD). Recent findings describe the ability of NS3 of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) to compensate for disabling size increase of core protein (Riedel et al., 2010). NS3 is a nonstructural protein possessing protease, helicase and NTPase activity and a key player in virus replication. A role of NS3 in particle morphogenesis has also been described for other members of the Flaviviridae (Patkar et al., 2008; Ma et al., 2008). These findings raise questions about the necessity and function of core protein and the role of NS3 in particle assembly. A reverse genetic system for CSFV was employed to generate poorly growing CSFVs by modificatio...

The gp120 subunit of HIV-1 envelope (Env) protein is heavily glycosylated at approximately 25 glycosylation sites, of which ~7-8 are located in the V1/V2 and V3 variable loops and the others in the remaining core gp120 region. Glycans partially shield Env from recognition by the host immune system and also are believed to be indispensable for proper folding of gp120 and for viral infectivity. Previous attempts to alter glycosylation sites in Env typically involved mutating the glycosylated asparagine residues to structurally similar glutamines or to alanines. Here, we confirmed that such mutations at multiple glycosylation sites greatly diminish viral infectivity and result in significantly reduced binding to both neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, using an alternative approach, we combined evolutionary information with structure-guided design and yeast surface display to produce properly cleaved HIV-1 Env variants that lack all 15 core gp120 glycans, yet retai...

Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) was used to characterize a commercial cellulase preparation (Celluclast 1.5L, Novozymes) in relation to its protein profile and activity against hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and other substrates. Co-elution of CBHII (Cel 6A) with other enzyme components of the cellulase system was characterized by immunochemical assays using monoclonal antibodies, whereas the occurrence of EGII (Cel 5A) was assessed based on its ability to cleave the heterosidic bond of 4-methylumbellyferyl-b-D-cellotrioside (MUmbG 3 ). The main cellulase constituents of Celluclast 1.5L were pooled into six fractions containing EGII (Cel 5A) and EGIII (Cel 12A) (F1), EGII and CBHII (Cel 6A) (F2), CBHII and EGI (Cel 7B) (F3), EGI (F4), and CBHI (Cel 7A) (F5). The occurrence of CBHI core protein within the CBHI fraction of the FPLC profile was determined by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Using this method, we were able to demonstrate that the batch of Celluclast 1.5L used in this study contained 10.9-18.8% of CBHI as its corresponding free core protein.

Hepatitis C virus contains a second open reading frame within the core gene, designated as core+1/ARF. Here we demonstrate for the first time expression of core+1/ARF protein in the context of a bicistronic JFH1-based replicon and report the production of two isoforms, core+1/L (long) and core+1/S (short), with different kinetics.

In this research, simulations of molecular docking of Phyllanthus bioactive compounds were performed into the core protein of HBV. This simulation aimed to predict the interaction between compounds with virus core protein causing disruption of capsid formation and inhibiting its replication. The docking simulation was completed by Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0. The 3D stable conformation of molecule structures were docked into HBV core protein downloaded from Protein Data Bank, then the results were analyzed to view the minimum energy and interactions that occurred. The coordinate docking was done at the same coordinate as the previously docked reference ligand position and was validated. From the results it was known that repandusinic acid formed the most stable affinity bond with amino acid residues of viral core proteins. Interaction of B chain forming hydrogen bonds with the amino acid residues of

Changes in the genetic code can trigger changes in the function of the proteins it produces. Genetic changes that commonly occur in the form of single nucleotide polymorphism such as in the aquaporin group gene (AQPs) which play an important role in maintaining moisture and elasticity of the skin epidermis. This study aims to analyze the effect of mutations in one of the aquaporin protein groups (AQPs), namely aquaporin 3 (AQP3) by in silico. Research material in the form of data sequences and 3D structures of AQP3 wild-type dan AQP3 mutant downloaded from the protein databank (pdb id 1FX8 and 1LDF). These two sequences were aligned using the "ClustalW" method to observe the position of the mutation, while the 3D structures were also aligned using the "Alignment" method to observe changes in the native ligand's "site binding" region. The impact of the conformational changes of mutant AQP3 was also observed on several compounds as test ligands which are known to work to support the function of AQP3 protein such as asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and alpha-retinoic acid through molecular docking method. Sequence alignment results showed that mutations occurred in the 48 th (tryptophan-phenylalanine) and 200 th (phenylalanine-threonine) residue sequences. The mutation of the two residues caused a change in the interaction model of all test ligands compared to the normal type of AQP3. The mutation also causes a decrease in the stability of AQP3, but on the contrary does not change the function of AQP3 but only decreases the binding ability of the native ligand molecule which has implications for the decrease in the binding ability of water molecules, glycerol and the test ligand.

Potency of Plant Bioactive Compounds from the Genus Phyllanthus as Hepatitis B Virus Replication InhibitorIn this research, simulations of molecular docking of Phyllanthus bioactive compounds were performed into the core protein of HBV. This simulation aimed to predict the interaction between compounds with virus core protein causing disruption of capsid formation and inhibiting its replication. The docking simulation was completed by Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0. The 3D stable conformation of molecule structures were docked into HBV core protein downloaded from Protein Data Bank, then the results were analyzed to view the minimum energy and interactions that occurred. The coordinate docking was done at the same coordinate as the previously docked reference ligand position and was validated. From the results it was known that repandusinic acid formed the most stable affinity bond with amino acid residues of viral core proteins. Interaction of B chain forming hydrogen bonds with the am...

The capsid of hepatitis B virus is an attractive antiviral target for developing therapies against chronic hepatitis B. Currently available core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) mainly affect one of the two major types of protein-protein interactions involved in the process of capsid assembly, which is the interaction between the core dimers. Compounds targeting the interaction between two core monomers have not been rigorously screened due to the lack of screening models. We report herein a cell-based assay in which the formation of core dimers is indicated by the Split Luciferase Complementation (SLC). Making use of this model, 2 compounds, Arbidol and 20-Deoxyingenol, were identified as core dimerization regulators from a library containing 672 compounds. Arbidol and 20-Deoxyingenol inhibit the HBV DNA replication by decreasing and increasing the formation of core dimer and capsid, respectively. Our results provided a proof of concept for the cell model to be used to screen ...

Background: The C terminus of prosecretory mitogen lacritin targets the first 50 amino acids of syndecan-1 in a heparanase-dependent manner. Results: The amphipathic ␣-helix of lacritin ligates the sequence Gly-Ala-Gly-Ala-Leu and N-terminal chondroitin and heparan sulfate chains of SDC1. Conclusion: Ligation requires all three binding elements. Significance: This hybrid binding domain helps explain the remarkable cell selectivity of lacritin and may have relevance in dry eye. Cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans shape organogenesis and homeostasis by capture and release of morphogens through mechanisms largely thought to exclude the core protein domain. Nevertheless, heparanase deglycanation of the N-terminal HS-rich domain of syndecan-1 (SDC1), but not SDC2 or-4, is a prerequisite for binding of the prosecretory mitogen lacritin (

The first virus-like particle to be tested for use as a vaccine carrier was based on the hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid protein. This viral subunit, while not infectious on its own, is a 36-nm particle that is highly immunogenic during a natural infection. The self-assembly and high degree of immunogenicity is maintained when expressed as a recombinant protein and, moreover, can confer a high degree of immunogenicity on foreign antigens linked to the particle, either chemically or genetically. This review describes the current state of the hepadnaviral core protein as a vaccine carrier.

Previously, we have demonstrated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) core particles tolerate the insertion of the amino-terminal 120 amino acids (aa) of the Puumala hantavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein. Here, we demonstrate that the insertion of 120 amino-terminal aa of N proteins from highly virulent Dobrava and Hantaan hantaviruses allows the formation of chimeric core particles. These particles expose the inserted foreign protein segments, at least in part, on their surface. Analysis by electron cryomicroscopy of chimeric particles harbouring the Puumala virus (PUUV) N segment revealed 90% T = 3 and 10% T = 4 shells. A map computed from T = 3 shells shows additional density splaying out from the tips of the spikes producing the effect of an extra shell of density at an outer radius compared with wild-type shells. The inserted Puumala virus N protein segment is flexibly linked to the core spikes and only partially icosahedrally ordered. Immunisation of mice of two different haplotypes (BALB/c and C57BL/6) with chimeric core particles induces a high-titered and highly cross-reactive N-specific antibody response in both mice strains.

Previously, we have demonstrated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) core particles tolerate the insertion of the amino-terminal 120 amino acids (aa) of the Puumala hantavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein. Here, we demonstrate that the insertion of 120 amino-terminal aa of N proteins from highly virulent Dobrava and Hantaan hantaviruses allows the formation of chimeric core particles. These particles expose the inserted foreign protein segments, at least in part, on their surface. Analysis by electron cryomicroscopy of chimeric particles harbouring the Puumala virus (PUUV) N segment revealed 90% T = 3 and 10% T = 4 shells. A map computed from T = 3 shells shows additional density splaying out from the tips of the spikes producing the effect of an extra shell of density at an outer radius compared with wild-type shells. The inserted Puumala virus N protein segment is flexibly linked to the core spikes and only partially icosahedrally ordered. Immunisation of mice of two different haplotypes (BALB/c and C57BL/6) with chimeric core particles induces a high-titered and highly cross-reactive N-specific antibody response in both mice strains.

⎯This review article is a continuation of the paper "Hepatitis B core particles as a universal display model: a structure-function basis for development" written by Pumpens P. and Grens E., ordered by Professor Lev Kisselev and published in FEBS Letters, 1999, 442, 1-6. The past 17 years have strengthened the paper's finding that the human hepatitis B virus core protein, along with other Hepadnaviridae family member core proteins, is a mysterious, multifunctional protein. The core gene of the Hepadnaviridae genome encodes five partially collinear proteins. The most important of these is the HBV core protein p21, or HBc. It can self-assemble by forming viral HBc particles, but also plays a crucial role in the regulation of viral replication. Since 1986, the HBc protein has been one of the first and the most successful tools of the virus-like particle (VLP) technology. Later, the woodchuck hepatitis virus core protein (WHc) was also used as a VLP carrier. The Hepadnaviridae core proteins remain favourite VLP candidates for the knowledge-based design of future vaccines, gene therapy vectors, specifically targeted nanocontainers, and other modern nanotechnological tools for prospective medical use.

We have examined genomic sequences and mRNA species hybridizing to a cDNA clone of a yolk sac carcinoma chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan designated PG19. Genomic blot hybridizations with cDNAs covering the majority of the PG19 mRNA sequence revealed 15 to 17 gene fragments. Similar analysis with probes representing either the propeptide or the combined core protein COOH-terminal domain and 3' untranslated sequences revealed single genomic fragments indicating that a single gene codes for the PGl9 proteoglycan. Genomic blot analysis with cDNA sequences coding for the serine-glycine repeat of the core protein identified the same gene fragments observed with the entire PG19 cDNA, indicating that this coding region is homologous with sequences present in multiple genes. The same probes were also used to examine mRNA expression. In addition to the PG19 mRNA, several PG19-related mRNAs could be seen. These PG19-related mRNAs had homology with the serine-glycine coding sequence of the PG19 cDNA. These mRNAs may be coding for proteoglycans. The mRNA coding for PG19 appeared to be uniquely expressed in parietal yolk sac and mast cell lineages. The PG19 mRNA existed in different forms in parietal yolk sac and mast cell lines due to cell-type-specific differences in the length of the 5' untranslated sequences. These results indicate that expression of the PG19 proteoglycan gene is regulated both in terms of cell-type-specific transcription and selection of a transcriptional start site.

We have examined genomic sequences and mRNA species hybridizing to a cDNA clone of a yolk sac carcinoma chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan designated PG19. Genomic blot hybridizations with cDNAs covering the majority of the PG19 mRNA sequence revealed 15 to 17 gene fragments. Similar analysis with probes representing either the propeptide or the combined core protein COOH-terminal domain and 3' untranslated sequences revealed single genomic fragments indicating that a single gene codes for the PG19 proteoglycan. Genomic blot analysis with cDNA sequences coding for the serine-glycine repeat of the core protein identified the same gene fragments observed with the entire PG19 cDNA, indicating that this coding region is homologous with sequences present in multiple genes. The same probes were also used to examine mRNA expression. In addition to the PG19 mRNA, several PG19-related mRNAs could be seen. These PG19-related mRNAs had homology with the serine-glycine coding sequence of the ...

The yolk sac carcinoma cell line L2 secretes a chondroitinldermatan sulfate proteoglycan that has an M , 10,000 core protein and carries an average of 14 glycosaminoglycan chains. The amino acid sequence of the mature core protein has been determined from cloned cDNA (

To gain more insight into the structure of the African horsesickness virus (AHSV) core particle, we have cloned, partially characterized and expressed the two major core proteins, VP3 and VP7, of AHSV-9. VP7 was found to be highly conserved amongst different serotypes. The VP3 and VP7 genes were subsequently expressed in insect cells by means of recombinant baculoviruses. VP7 was synthesized to very high levels and aggregated into distinctive crystals. Co-expression of VP3 and VP7 resulted in the intracellular formation of core-like particles which structurally resembled empty AHSV cores. African horsesickness is a highly infectious non-contagious disease of equines and in horses the mortality rate exceeds 90 %. The aetiological agent, African horsesickness virus (AHSV), belongs to the genus Orbivirus in the family Reoviridae. Like bluetongue virus (BTV), the prototype orbivirus, the AHSV virion is composed of seven structural proteins organized into a double-layered capsid containing the 10 double-stranded (ds) RNA segments of the viral genome (Bremer, 1976 ; Roy et al., 1994). The icosahedral core is composed of two major proteins, VP3 and VP7, and three minor structural proteins (VP1, 4 and 6). It has been shown that VP7 trimers constitute the surface of the BTV core : hence the prominent knob-like protrusions which overlay a scaffold of VP3 (

Mal de Rı´o Cuarto virus (MRCV) is a newly described species of the genus Fijivirus, family Reoviridae. Compared with other plant-infecting genus of the family, the function and localization of MRCV and other Fijivirus proteins are poorly understood. Through analysis of viral particle purifications, we positively identified five structural proteins of approximately 170, 140, 130, 66, and 62 kDa. The protein encoded by MRCV S3 genomic segment was expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli, purified and used for rabbit immunization. The resulting antiserum reacted with the 140 kDa structural protein and with incomplete virus particles in immunoelectron microscopy assays, suggesting that MRCV S3 codes for the major core capsid protein.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) translation is initiated in a cap-independent manner by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) located within the 5¢ untranslated region (5¢UTR). Sequence changes in this region could affect translation efficiency and presumably viral replication. AIM: To determine translation efficiency of 5¢UTR variants developing during post-transfusion hepatitis C in two immunocompetent subjects and in two immunosuppressed liver recipients with recurrent HCV. methods: Sequential samples were screened for 5¢UTR changes by single-strand conformation polymorphism followed by cloning and sequencing whenever band pattern suggested sequence changes. 5¢UTR variants were tested for IRES activity using a bicistronic dual luciferase expression plasmid transfected into HepG2 and Huh7 cell-lines. results: In the transfused patients, translation efficiency of 5¢UTR variants from early post-transfusion samples was 5.1-to 13.7-fold higher than that of predominant variants found in late follow-up samples. Post-transplant variants in the other two patients had 2.6-to 5.9-fold higher translation efficiency than those present only in pretransplant samples. conclusion: In the immunocompetent host there may be selection of low translation efficiency HCV variants over the course of infection. However, in immunosuppressed subjects the opposite seems to be true as low translation efficiency variants are superseded by high translation efficiency variants.

Many critical biologic processes involve dynamic interactions between proteins and nucleic acids. Such dynamic processes are often difficult to delineate by conventional static methods. For example, while a variety of nucleic acid polymerase structures have been determined at atomic resolution, the details of how some multi-protein transcriptase complexes actively produce mRNA, as well as conformational changes associated with activation of such complexes, remain poorly understood. The mammalian reovirus innermost capsid (core) manifests all enzymatic activities necessary to produce mRNA from each of the 10 encased double-stranded RNA genes. We used rapid freezing and electron cryo-microscopy to trap and visualize transcriptionally active reovirus core particles and compared them to inactive core images. Rod-like density centered within actively transcribing core spike channels was attributed to exiting nascent mRNA. Comparative radial density plots of active and inactive core particles identified several structural changes in both internal and external regions of the icosahedral core capsid. Inactive and transcriptionally active cores were partially digested with trypsin and identities of initial tryptic peptides determined by mass spectrometry. Differentially-digested peptides, which also suggest transcription-associated conformational changes, were placed within the known 3-dimensional structures of major core proteins.